Morning all.
Apparently, during the Liverpool/Nottingham Forest match yesterday, Dominik Szoboszlai, who had already been booked, was later penalised for a foul on Callum Hudson-Odoi. Clearly frustrated by the decision, he booted the ball away but was he then shown a second yellow card? No, of course not! Consistency at its finest, not! Liverpool lost the game 1-0 at Anfield..
Itās North London Derby Day!
Mikel Arteta held his pre match press conference on Friday during which he refused to rule Martin Odegaard out of todayās match.
We need some more tests so letās see what happens in the next day or so. Letās see what happens, what the extent of the injury is and how quickly we can get him back. Heās super positive about everything. We know Martin – he wants to be there every single day but we have to wait and see.
He’s willing, there’s no question about that. He wants to be present every game and obviously in a big game like this one, but we need to make sure that we know first of all how good he can be or not. Players with 48 hours to go are always available, but let’s see what happens.
Iām not sure anyone believes our captain will be fit, not even Arteta. Not unless the whole injury story has been exaggerated by Norwayās medical people.
Declan Rice misses out today through suspension which Iād imagine means Jorginho will come into midfield leaves but deciding who replaces Odegaard should he not recover is a little more difficult. Still, thatās why clubs have squads. Injuries and suspensions are part of the game as we Arsenal fans know only too well.
One of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka or Oleksandr Zinchenko could switch roles to cover for Odegaard unless Arteta is set to throw Ethan Nwaneri in at the deep end.. No, I doubt heāll opt for him either,, not away from home against our most bitter of rivals. My money is on Saka with Raheem Sterling making his Arsenal debut. Arteta spoke about him too during his press conference:
He looks great. First of all, because heās got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy, heās at it and wants to prove a point. When someoneās got that in his belly, you sense it straight away. Obviously I donāt need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.
What I see is hunger and a player that wants to play every minute of every game. When itās not the case, heās not happy. He loves football, itās what he likes doing every single day and I see that. His commitment, the level of energy that heās bringing to the team and the quality is a big push. You can feel it with the players as well. When heās walking through the door, we are better with him and heās going to make us better.
Imagine if he makes his debut today and scores the winning goal? My goodness, heād be an Arsenal hero over night. Ok, slightly tongue in cheek.
This will surprise you but I donāt watch Totts play unless itās against us so Iāve had to read about them and how they dominate opponents as far as the possession stats go and they create a high number of goal scoring opportunities – in fact only Nottingham Forest have had more shots than todayās opponents. Thatās not something I thought Iād ever write.
From a tactical perspective we must be wary of Spurs trying to overload Ben White with 2v1s. From his number 10 position James Maddison has been pulling left, and from that flank he has supplied excellent ammunition. On the other side, no one has produced more successful crosses in open play than Spurs’ buccaneering right back Pedro Porro.
If we are looking to exploit potential weaknesses there are two potential areas. The first is around set pieces, where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not an especially dominant presence. From inswingers into a crowded six-yard box the Italian is uncomfortable.Ā
Postecoglouās infamous high line is the other strategy that we may target. Kai Havertzās movement has been tremendous early on this season, while the likes of Saka, Sterling, Martinelli and Trossard all like to run beyond the last defender too. If he features, look out for Jorginho trying to open Tottenham up with a through ball. Heās a master at clipping accurate passes into space against square rearguards.
This fixture last season was a good one for us. Totts had started fast and put us under some early pressure but then, A 23-minute spell saw Mikel Artetaās team go 3-0 up. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg started the goal fest by heading past his own goalkeeper, before Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz added our second and third. Two crazy moments in the second half gave the home team hope when a rare David Raya howler gifted them a goal and then with just three minutes of game left, Declan Rice gave away a penalty.
I think we can expect a similar start from Totts today in that theyāll go all out attack from the off. Itās what they do under Ange Postecoglou. We just have to soak up that early pressure and then hit them hard and fast on the break.
Enjoy the game guys, it should be a good one..
I guess the powers defence will be that when he kicked the ball halfway across the pitch he was not stopping a quick free kick.
As for today nothing will clear until the team is announced , I don’t expect it will be different to any other derby with this lot . More nerves for the supporters than the players and Gillett will come under scrutiny although the way things have been lately it’s Atwell in the studio that has the final say.
Put like that, Iām dreading it. š
I guess there will be a few close shaves when it comes to decisions by today’s referee, he’s certainly not the best a man can get.
Morning Rico/Morning all
You mentioning the Liverpool game – what an unexpected result.
Most pundits I see seem to think either Spurs win or a draw. Maybe that’s a good omen,I remember loads of times over the years when we have won against the odds. It’s like all the experts have forgotten we have good players apart from Rice and Odegaard.
The starting 11 will be fascinating,Trossard surely deserves to start,also Sterling will probably play at least from the bench.
I just hope it’s all about the football,not the officials.
COYG
Morning Cicero, Limey.
Iāve heard better Cicero. lol
Agree re the game, I really hope itās not a game which is decided by a bad decision and yes, we have a more trusted squad now as well as very good players.
Good afternoon Rico and HH crazies
Good post Rico. Trossard can also play in the Odegaard position. And of all the ones mentioned I feel he is the best suited for it. The only snag with Nwaneri is that its too big a game (imo) to throw him in the deep end. It might be that he has a superb game….it might crush him as well.
I too have a feeling that Sterling will play. Maybe Havertz drops in the MO08 position and Sterling plays up front? Or Jesus plays up front. We will know in 50 mins time at least
Who will be captain today??? I would go for White.
The only way to beat the spuds today and not allow the ref/VAR to fuck it up is to score all the chances that come our way. Its that simple. If we do, no matter how many times the ref or anyone is inconsistent, we will win the three points
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz
Subs: Neto, Kiwior, Kacurri, Heaven, Lewis-Skelly, Sterling, Nwaneri, Jesus, Kabia
The Kids are alright.
COYG
Btw Kacurri is a defender and Kabia is a winger, you know the restā¦
Very positive line-up. Well balanced. Especially when you consider Timber inverting, Jorginho sitting in front, and Trossard and Havertz interchanging. I’m impressed.
Very positive line-up. Well balanced team. When you consider Timber inventing, Jorginho sitting in front of the defense, Trossard and Havertz interchanging and Martinelli running, this is will give the spuds problems.
Yes a few youngsters on the bench.
Situation made for Sterling to come on and score.
yay. I seemed to have guessed. Trossard takes place of Odegaard.
Fingers crossed he was a superb game.
Afternoon Rico and all.
I still feel we can beat Toots if we keep an eye on toots keeper bringing the ball back for the long pass and also don’t waste time throwing the ball back in too slowly
Saliba has learned nothing from Rice’s yellow card.
Jesus, dont we ever learn?????? why did Saliba pick up that damned ball for after the ref whistled when it was clearly not our ball but Spuds’?????
I defend our players with all my might, and fully know that others do the same as well, but having passed through the situation with Rice, Saliba should have known better and not touch the ball after the whistle.
That was an unecessary yellow.
Getting a yellow for fouls like the one done by Bentacur on Havertz is ok for me. I accept those if they came our way. But to get yellows for silly things is something I can never condone and accept.
We seem to lack the physical presence of Rice and Odegaard. As much as Trossard is cunning and very technical and as much as Jorginho is experienced they lack teh same presence of the other two. Tottenham are going through our midfield which lacks strength. A slightly long past memory from the days of Fabregas, Cazorla, Flamini and Song manning our midfield….highly techical movement yet no physical presence
Afternoon guys.
Silly Billyā¦
Didnāt see much wrong with Timbers challenge though. Iāll be surprised if this game ends 11 v 11..
Perfect demonstration of why EPL referees get limited opportunities to refereeing CL, Euros and WCs. This ref is horrible, he’s killing the game.
Bit of a tense watch! Son (as in daughter) there at the Lane!
Agree, Timber went side on into the tackle, but loved the reaction of our team when they tried to intimidate Jurrien.
Very evenly matched and as Rico so insightfully opined, this isnāt finishing 11 vs 11 – and on that the balance of the game may layā¦
I like a bit of spice Kev..
In the away end I hope Andrew. Lol
Salmon tikka is nice Rico š
We should have been 1-0 up but MArtinelli opted to shoot instead of laying it on a plate to Saka
Timber’s yellow should not even be a yellow. Timber had his foot over the ball all the time. There was no force, no intention of going for Porro. He was standing over the ball. Its more of a case that Porro made a meal out of it. he should wear better shin guards if he doesnt want to look like a pansy.
7 yellow cards??? I bet the ref has his fingers itching to caress the red. Some of the yellows he has given are so petty and in his desire not to lose control of the game he is angling towards that exactly
This ref is card happy,we have to be very careful,just heard that the 7 yellow cards is the most ever in the 1st half of a Premier league game.
Also the Spurs goalie is a hothead.
I can see Ben white getting a yellow card soon for time waisting when throwing the ball back into play.
Timbers yellow seems a bit harsh, but at least he did not a second due to their keeper.
a couple more yellow cards and both team will pick up a fine.
Its 5 for totts and two for us. And one of ours was for dissent not fouling while the other was inexistent. That speaks for itself. And it shows that technically and tactically we are better because toots are resorting to fouls to stop us. They cant beat us at technical and tactical level. We know how we have to play even when we dont have the ball. The spuds know how to play only when they have it and press high. Otherwise we are better than them. We lack only physicality in the centre of the pitch
no zinchenko in the team squad?? not even on bench?? how come????
Might be time for a change,
Gabriel you beauty!
Big Gaby gets it in. Finally another set piece breaks the deadlock
yes, that takes a bit of the pressure off, now for a second
The Gunners supporters were celebrating as early as when Saka was still taking the kick. they must have sensed the goal already before Gaby powered it in. hehe
Trossard off and Jesus on. Martinelli off and Sterling on.
That means Havertz drops deeper.
I hope that Havertz gets a goal. That would mean I go ballistic.
Nwaneri is on for some precious minutes. Saka taken off. Needs to rest imo.
One goal, a clean sheet, three points! Just another day at the office. š
Depleted, but fantastic defensive display. George Graham days back!
Away end, yes Ricoš
We get the bragging rights once again.
1-0, 5-0, 10-0 its the 3 points which matter.
Three clean sheets for Raya out of four games already. This defence is rock solid.
Even with 2/3 of the midfield gone we still won. We still need to work on the depth of that department as we need more strength there. However, we did ok today.
Just as I predicted, a win for us, šbut we have to stop given the refs a chance to issue stupid yellow cards for time waisting.
I am sure Daddy and Gramps are smiling
Timber is a beast. When you compared how he completely inverted against Brighton and how he played today without inverting, he’s very versatile and talented.
See the winners
and the losers,
seeking solace
from their sorrow
Fantastic defensive performance from the whole team. I agree,Timber was immense.
Nwaneri looked electric when he came on.
The return of three point lane !
Brilliant result, brilliant header from Gabriel!
I didnāt doubt it for a second Andrew.
I liked what Neville said about Gabriel and Saliba. The Bould and Adams of todays Arsenalā¦
Matthew Upson……………..
Arsenal should celebrate this, this is a huge team effort.
To be without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Two huge players for this team, very rarely have we watched a team without either of them in it.
It’s just a massive statement of the belief of where they can take it. To come here in the north London derby against a good Tottenham team who have started the season fairly well.
They didn’t put a foot wrong in that sense.
You could give either defender man of the match. Gabriel might win it for his goal but William Saliba was an absolute rock at the back, Jurrien Timber at left-back looks excellent, snapping into tackles and you have to give credit to the keeper as well, David Raya.
It’s a top performance from Arsenal.
Gabriel and William Saliba is the best central defensive pairing for me [in Europe right now].
I don’t doubt that at all.
Saliba is on the gas, he knows exactly where he needs to go. It’s just top class and it is measured and organised.
The organisation allows them to be world class at what they do.
Arsenal are generally in quite a measured position to begin with which then gives them more of a chance to be top defenders one on one.
Got to say, itās rare, but if there was any doubt on two refereeing decisions and VAR today, it went our way. I feared for Timber already booked when he grappled with their goalie, scared of a booking each. And the slight push by Gabriel before scoring, relieved when VAR didnāt intervene.
I too feared a second booking for Timber..
Gillet must be a closet Arsenal fan.. š
Tense but it always is . It was an open game that I was surprised was goalless for so long. However the players knew their jobs and the nerves were left to those watching it .
There is so much going on in the box you either pull it up on the first or let them go . Just because a goal is scored if the ref doesnt blow then VAR should go withvhis decision
Everyone is focusing on the Gabi push, but no one is focusing on the two other spuds players pushing our players. So which one to whistle??? the Gabi push and disallow the goal or the Spuddies pushing ours and awarding a penalty???
As Potter pointed out….There is so much going on in the box you either pull it up on the first or let them go
Maybe Gillet thought it out that way
I heard an interesting opinion on a podcast yesterday, the point made was that if we want to be a major club and I mean one competing for the top top honours every season we to learn to be good enough and mature enough to to deal with injuries to our top players and not panic when theyāre missing – that of course comes from depth and quality depth in the squad.
Example, Rodri missing and Man City still win all their games, de Bruyne missing loads of games but it doesnāt phase them.
Weāve gotta be as good as that across both PL and CL.
4 games……6 goals….5 different scorers (Havertz 2, Saka, Trossard, Partey, Gabi). Saka has given an assist in each game plus a goal himself. HAvertz has 2 goals and 2 assists.
I heard that too, City didnāt moan about injuries and we canāt either. We could really do without any more though because weāre nearly down to the under 21ās.
There was a lot going in the box but weāve seen in the past that officials arenāt afraid to penalise us regardless of what else is going on.
Wolves are making Newcastle look like a very very average teamā¦
Eddie Howe to get the sack before the end of this season?
3 points. Ufff!!!
Timber, the way he plays, will be penalized in several games.
Next game: Bergamo.
With which players? We lack players…
Or before Christmas re Howe..
Heās just strong Jm, very strong.
Yeah Rico, the key is keeping our defenders fit, theyāre the foundation of this team. As Devil posted earlier weāve got plenty of goals throughout this team.
We were today missing Tomiyasu, Odegaard, Merino, Tierney, Zinchenko, Califiori and Rice so to me that makes todayās result all the sweeter.
That place is like a bear pit and we were almost akin to being the Christians in the Coliseum. To come through that cauldron, remain calm, play out from the back and still control large portions of the game, whilst everyone else was losing their minds, me included, was truly admirable, only City could do that as well as us from the current competitors in the PL.
We are ok squad wise for the EPL, FA Cup, Carabao cup. But with regards the CL we are still 3-4 players short I feel. Because midfield is still light.
I expect that at Bergamo in the CL we might see some players taking a breather. I for one would give Saka a rest and put him on the bench. I would definitely use Martinelli, Sinclair, Jesus and Trossard. Zinchenko is due a game as well.
Would you go with Raya in goal or play Neto??
And suddenly Magpies are 2 – 1 up.
I can’t think of a single reason for not starting Raya on Thursday. it’s too early in the season to start giving players a rest.
KEv…..Tomiyasu, Tierney, Zinchenko, Califiori….that’s a whole defensive department. If not injured, that lot could easily play in the Carabao cup opponents. RB Tommy, CBs Calafiori and Tierney, LB Zinchenko. yes, three left footers isnt ideal however the defense has depth till Christmas at least. Calafiori was a monster at CB in a 3 man defence against France.
And remember we have Heaven and Lewis-Skelly who can play there as well.
So yes….defence dept is well stocked.
Attack is well stocked as well. two players for each position at the minimum.
Its the midfield which needs a reshuffle. For Jorginho and/or Partey this could be the last season (unless Arteta wants Jorginho to remain which I strongly believe. Jorginho is like having a coach in midfield. So yes we need to replace PArtey and also add two others so that we will have six quality midfielders. I have no doubt that Rice, Merino, Odegaard was intended to be our first choice midfield whilst Partey rotates to give him time to recover and also stay fit.
For now we are ok. However, quality wise we need to upgrade even a couple of attacking options. Not Saka or Havertz but Martinelli, Trossard and Jesus can all be upgraded.
Cicero I wasnt thinking of giving Raya a rest. I was thinking of giving Neto a game so that he can bed in as well seeing that he is cup tied in the carabeo cup.
Raya is a vital part of our very sound defence team, it would be foolish to break up that team to give new ‘keeper, or any part of it, a chance to get used to playing with them in such a vital match. Neto is our number two ‘keeper and will get his chance when the time is appropriate, probably in the F A Cup.
Well said Kev, spot on.
For what itās worth, I think Raya will play in the PL and CL, Neto in the domestic cups.
Neto can only play in the F.A Cup . He played for Bournemouth against West Ham in the Carabao and is cup tied .
That means he has a maximum of 6 games for us unless Raya gets crocked.
Arsenal have played 990ā minutes away from home in the Premier League in 2024.
Theyāve not been behind for a single minute.
In that time, theyāve won ten out of 11 away games, suffered zero defeats, only conceded three goals and kept nine clean sheets.
In 2024 Arsenal are the best team away from home in the world. No team has a better record.
Well chaps, Raya had better not get crocked then!
I expect some mix n match for Bolton otherwise for the other games itās gotta be full-strength with some substitutions to give players a breather, itās what City does.
In a perfect world youād be 3-0 up by the 60th minute and make 5 subs in the last 30 to lessen the loadā¦
Under Wenger the Arsenal went two successive seasons unbeaten away in the league: 2002/03 & 2003/04
As others have said a great team performance, another good game from Raya.
Fingers crossed Saka is not too badly injured but he looked a bit tired to me, maybe a weeks rest could do him well.
If I was to pick any negatives that I feel Arteta needs to work on,
(1) Saliba, keeps picking up the ball and walking off with it.
(2) White far too slow throwing the ball back in.
Geoff, Ben White is a cool, calm player he waits until he is confident of getting the ball to his intended target and his throw ins are seldom picked off by the opposition. When a team is defending a lead, taking time with a throw in is a smart way to help run the clock down and wind up the other team.
Ah yes, I forgot that re Neto.
New post up.